It was controversial when a bill was first submitted to allow Bible courses to be taught in the public schools in Kentucky, according to NBC New on Wednesday, June 28. Even though the "Bible Literacy Bill" was signed into law by Governor Matt Bevin, some organizations have stated their disapproval of the new law.
The ACLU and other watchdog groups have promised to monitor and make sure the Bible classes do not cross the line by going from teaching to preaching. Amber Duke of the Kentucky ACLU explained that the main concern is that the course would be taught in a way that is not constitutional.
The curriculum
The state's Department of Education does not have a curriculum yet, but the proposed class has been set to be an elective instead of a required course. It will be based on the Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament, and New Testament. The course will provide biblical knowledge about the people, places, and content of the Bible. The curriculum will be based solely on the Bible and not the sacred texts of other religions. In fact, it will not be a comparative course of the main world religions.
Arguments against the course
The groups that oppose the course fear that it will allow teachers to forget about keeping the church and state separate. The Kentucky Secular Society is one such group that oppose the passing of the law.
The group thinks teachers will cross the line and do something that is unconstitutional. Also, members of the group want the course to include other aspects of religions besides the Bible.
Republican State Representative D.J. Johnson had insisted in an interview before the bill was passed that the course is not to promote Christianity.
He reminded naysayers that the Bible was the foundation for the writing of the important documents in United States history including the Declaration of Independence. Johnson assured those who opposed the passing of the law that the curriculum will not include any anything this is unconstitutional.
Governor Matt Bevin, who signed the bill into law is a Republican and conservative Christian.
He also tried to assure everyone that the upcoming course will be designed and taught without fear of anyone preaching in the classroom.
Those who are in favor of the course reminded the others that it is an elective and not a core course where students have to take it to graduate. Even though "Bible Literacy Bill" passed, some people are against it even before it has been implemented into the school system. Therefore, they are sure to monitor it.